This is a bad idea. You should not do it. Please do not smash your phone — especially not yet.

So here's the deal. You'll initially be registering for a chance to smash your phone. If you've already smashed it, you're SOL. Sorry, Charlie. OnePlus will randomly pick 100 folks to smash phones on camera. In exchange they'll get a free 16GB One, plus three invites to purchase more.

There are a couple more catches:

First, you have to be in one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR China, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom or the United States. Don't live there? You're SOL.

Next, you'll have to have one of the applicable phones. They include the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s, BlackBerry Z10, or Z30; HTC One M8, One M7 and One Max, LG G Flex, G2, G Pro 2 or Nexus 5, Motorola Moto X, Nokia Lumia 1020, 1520, 920 or 925; a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or Note 3; or a Galaxy S3, S4 or S5; or a Sony Xperia Z, Z2, Z Ultra, Z1. Already smash a perfectly good something else? You're SOL.

That's not even what makes this a bad idea. Dumb promotional stunts are fine. That's what the Internet is for. But this is just wasteful, plain and simple, to say nothing of it being dangerous. And remember, "OnePlus is not liable for any damage or injury incurred to the smasher, surrounding persons or any equipment used during the shooting of each smash video."

Smashing a perfectly good anything is stupid and wasteful.

What you should do instead

Anything, really. Here are but a few suggestions:

Keep it as a backup. (Duh.)

Give it to someone else. (Also, duh.)

Hang onto your phone and make a perfectly good mp3 player out of it.

If you've got a high-end device, chances are you can take advantage of HTC's Power to Give program, wherein you just leave it plugged in and let projects borrow the processing power.

Why? Those that don't read the fine print and have smashed their phones already are idiots. If they were children I could understand, but most of the videos online depict adults... grown ass men driving cars and sh*t... destroying expensive phones, in order to win a new one, from a company THAT HASN'T RELEASED A PHONE YET.

Literacy is a fundamental cornerstone of a persons education, but its the most neglected... if they could read "smash your phone to win a One Plus One," then they should have continued reading. If they made a conscious decision to stop reading to smash their expensive phone... $500 lesson learned.

The contest in general is stupid. Anyone who smashes an iPhone 5s, GS5, M8, or really any other phone on that list to get a $300 phone a little early probably shouldn't attempt to breath without medical assistance.

That's so unfortunate. I have an S2 and it's still kicking really nicely. Even have it running on ART right now [which right now is even nicer to be honest]. Maybe you should refresh your phone by flashing something new? Just give it a try and see if you can give you device a little kick.

Well, I've actually read comments from the Cyanogen team that the S5 is the only worthwhile Galaxy SX since the S2, so maybe they stepped up with this one? I would tend to believe a developer's opinion over many others, really.

If you are willing to trash your phone in hopes of getting a new one for $1, then (1) you are hopelessly stupid and don't deserve another phone, or (2) you have plenty of money and you shouldn't win the contest anyway.

I'm not hopelessly stupid. I have a HTC one on sprint (which I now have my N5 on ATT), it has one crack across the screen, very minute, however no one else sees is as that, best offer I can get is $105 for it. So ya, i'll take smashing my phone for a new one. thats a $195 gain in my pocket and means I can use my N5 for design/testing rather than my htc one

I agree with that. If the smallest little blemish anywhere on the phone when trying to resell it is means for people offer you 200 or less for a phone that in good condtions will go for 450-500 on craigslist then why not? I have a note 3 that I replaced with the red nexus 5 (gift) and when I've tried to sell it the most I was offered was 175 because of a miniscule blemish on the bottom right corner. Better believe I would destroy it if it meant getting a free brand new phone worth 300+.

then perhaps you shouldve said so, your original comment is aimed at anyone who is "willing". The site states before entering that you get chosen first before smashing your phone as well as when you apply the message is stated again.

I've smashed my phone on accident to shit and nothing happened, the world didn't end, I have no issues doing it to my htc one. And to those who say I can donate it, that's true, and I have donated 6 phones to the military, but I also say to those people, It's none of your business what I do with my property.

I sure would. My Note 2 is ready to be replaced. I would not expect to sell it for $300. So, if my phone is worth more smashed, why not? Then I can upgrade to the Note 4 and keep the OnePlus as a nice backup.

Although I see 11 different OnePlus One stories on their home page (kinda odd), I don't see a formal review - can you give us a link? I think people should wait for more sources. That website seems to have been given the phone before any of the bigger sites, and given their zillion different stories on this product, I wonder what their relationship is with this company.

then it doesn't. Given the phone and the compney are brand new, I'm and I'M sure a ton of others are gonna hold off to see if it gains any traction.

besides with me, I don't buy any tech such as phones and tablets unless i can physically mess around with it before hand. I don't just base my thoughts on some dude on youtube or a tech site.no matter how popular they are.

Except you can't buy one without an invite. And if you own a Nexus 5 which is only 350 new and won't sell for that on ebay. Plus you get the three invites to purchase more which could be sold to the highest bidder.

Just either get a used Lumia 925 for less than $200 or if you can't find a used one get a new one for $200... It's sad to break a perfectly working phone but then you get a new $300 phone and could turn around and easily sell it for twice the price... and I'm not talking about selling the evites...

You could wait for months to get an invite before being able to drop $300 on this phone, or you could smash your nexus 5 and get a OnePlus One for free now, including 3 invites to buy more. Which you could then turn around and sell for profit likely. This is a no brainer... Smash your damn phone. Duh.

But the risky thing is that nobody knows if this phone is actually going to live up to the hype! What if it it has crappy build quality or major software flaws. Especially when considering there still isn't a stable version of CM11 yet... I wouldn't want to break my N5 and then receive a phone that could be total crap!

There's also the risk of rupturing the battery and having it react in a number of dangerous ways, including breathing in the gas it expels. Like in the video where the guy smashed an S5 with a hammer. Not worth risking your health.

Hey, thanks for assembling my phone in near-criminal conditions, Chinese 12-year-old! Yeah, I'm just going to smash it with a hammer for some dumb promotional stunt after using it for two months. Now get back to work so I don't have to wait too long on my OnePlus device, will ya?

Unless One+ marketing team is stupider than some outlets are making them out to seem, then likely they will require you to show in the video that your device is still in working order before you destroy it. My cousin has worked at AT&T for many years and he has a ridiculous amount of dummy models that his store allows him to keep. If One+ team actually, stupidly, forget to require proof that your phone works then I'll just bum an S4 dummy from him and make away with a free phone.

If I see one person smashing their HTC One M8, I'm gonna either laugh or cry. Because instead of receiving a 1-dollar OPO 16GB, they miss the opportunity to sell that M8 and buy a 64GB variant instead, with a extra change.

I pretty much replied back to One Plus One via email this morning when I got their "Smash the Past" email about how stupid and wasteful smashing a perfectly good phone is. Can they just shut up now and sell the damn phone?

Here's a better idea. I shall keep my current Nexus 5, sell it when the new Nexus phones comes out. Right now I could sell it for about $330 or so, since it is nearly mint condition, and has a $20 case. In about half a year, I could probably expect around $290 including the case, as long as it is still in very good condition. Then, I spend $80 for a new Nexus, and a new case to compliment it (providing that Nexus pricing will remain the same as the current gen device)

I then have a phone that has guaranteed fast updates, the latest in mobile processing, and a guarantee that the company I'm getting it from actually makes good phones.

They really should have done a trade-in promotion. Ask people to make a video saying why they think O+O is better than their current phones then choose 100 people and allow them to trade in their phones. That's better marketing without being wasteful. Also you can release a breakdown of what kind of phones were traded-in.

I'd love to try out this phone, but I sure as hell not going to smash my Nexus 5 for one. A better promo would've been to sell it for a deep discount if you have any of the current flagship phones they had listed for the "smash" promo. That would get people to take a chance on a One Plus One.

As an aside, the price point they're selling it at is very good. 64 GB for $349? Not too shabby!

If you're picked, just buy a non-functioning broken phone for cheap to smash. They didn't say the phone has to be in perfect working condition prior to smashing. After you smash it, recycle the parts at your local recycle depot?

I agree that the invite system, weird promos, and false hype (our 5.5" fits under the 5" Z1! Not!) are not doing the company/product any good. The only saving grace is the price.

Update: Wait, in the fineprint, they said "The applicant must show that their phone does turn on and use the phone that was chosen by the applicant in their initial application." In that case, buy one with a working lcd but broken digitizer. ;)

I'll just wait it out and pay cash for one after the stupid publicity stunt is over. Really sad people only think of themselves and could donate their phone to a good cause like mentioned, cell phones for soldiers.

While I agree with Phil that their are much better things to do with an old phone than smash it. I see a lot of unfounded hate for this company due to what they wanted to think outside of the box to promote their company and phone. Because people were clueless enough to really believe that this phone would be the size of a z1 especially after the find 7 was announced and oppo will be building the one. Yes this company has made some missteps but they are young and doing a great job to challenge the status quo. I see this as a good thing. I for one will be buying this phone not only due to the specs or price. But because it comes preloaded with cm which I find to me better than any manufacturers version of android. Rooting my phone will not void it's warranty. And I think it's time for a change

I (and I think a lot of us here) like a whole lot about this phone, and the company. I am curious about the phone, and if the reviews are good, I'll probably get one. Hell, I don't even mind the invite-only sales rollout at all.

But this specific publicity stunt is just in really poor taste. It's wasteful, it's cynical, and I don't blame anyone if it leaves a bad taste in their mouth.

The idea is not that bad - could also mean a middle finger to big names with overpriced phones, however I would not smash any of these phones.
And the OnePlusOne is unfortunately a 5.5" kayak-paddle, sorry...

To those who think they can sell their invites... They have already stated that you will not be able to do this. Somehow they have a system set up to prevent this from happening. This will prevent all the idiots from getting over on people who just want a phone just like they did originally. This comment is not towards anybody in particular.

Great article! It is really stupid and selfish to ask someone to smash their phone. In developing countries like mine, there a lot of people who would love to have a great phone but don't have the money to do so. You could sell for a lower price or give away your phone and help these unfortunate people to have the chance to have some fun with something that is still perfectly good. You just don't go around and smash stuff when someone else could be needing it and using it. Selfish and dumb!

Oh well, I joined the contest thinking I'd smash the dinky AT&T HTC first that I use as a work phone if I won the contest.
It's worth very little as it sells for like $80 - $100 on ebay these days so it would have been no big loss.
I have a phone that's supported, a Nexus 5 but I'm not smashing a $400 smartphone for a $299 smartphone.
The other phones in this list are even worse, all being worth much more than $299 even used.

I certainly won't be smashing any of the supported phones for a oneplus one.

I do like Android Central for the thorough coverage of devices. The reviews are great and most of the news stories are written well. However, Phil, your posts can be very condescending. I don't see the need to tell people what they should or shouldn't do with their phones. I bought my phone, I'll do with it what I want. I'm not going to smash it but I'm not going to tell someone else not to. I wish you would do what you do best, report the news and reviews Android/Google related stuff. Telling people what they should or shouldn't do with their personal property is uncalled for. And then making people who do want to smash their phones feel stupid.... What's the point? Just my thoughts on the matter.

Never said what he should or shouldn't do. Just gave my opinion of the story and told him what I prefer to read. I like positive and negative criticism, figured the AC dudes did too. Not like I've got something against Phil. We share a love of metal for god sake \m/. Maybe I'm being sensitive. I can accept that.

I don't have a "beef". I don't like being given tips on how to not be an idiot. It's implying that I don't know how to not be an idiot on my own. I guess I forget that there is a large group of people out there that need to read this kind of thing.

Here's an idea: If you don't like the article, don't read it. See? Easy. Seriously, he didn't post something saying, "You must not smash your phone", he said "please don't do it". That's a request, and is perfectly acceptable. He then offered alternatives should you decide to say, "Ok, I won't smash my phone". Your response of, "I'll do whatever I want, thank you very much" is rather childish. Nobody is claiming ownership of your property.

If the smallest little blemish anywhere on the phone when trying to resell it is means for people offer you 200 or less for a phone that in good condtions will go for 450-500 on craigslist then why not? I have a note 3 that I replaced with the red nexus 5 (gift) and when I've tried to sell it the most I was offered was 175 because of a miniscule blemish on the bottom right corner. Better believe I would destroy it if it meant getting a free brand new phone worth 300+.

I understand if you have an s4 or 5 or any of the new flagship phones. But if you have a beat up phone like a nexus 5 just bought on the street for $190 because it has a cracked camera lens and several nicks on it then it doesn't hurt to smash it if you get picked and only if you get picked.

1st. There are many many poor people out there.
2nd. Most of the required smartphone are as or more expensive than OnePlus One
3rd. Only 100 people to be chosen all around the world ?? for smashing their phone (look at 2nd reason) to promote the Oneplus One and don't get paid, don't get insurance etc...

I realize that they are promoting this device as the "flagship killer". However, to destroy high end smartphones that cost almost double this device is beyond me.
I was considering buying a liquid damaged/bad esn phone and smashing that, but at this point i'm just too annoyed at this company's promotional efforts. Marketing fail!

I'm signed up and will smash my G2 if picked and IDGAF. It's a Sprint G2 being used on T-Mobile. Got it off of Craigslist clean and clear ESN, but it's still tied to the owner's account, which means it's useless to try and resale for Sprint use, and since it doesn't get LTE on T-Mobile, most people don't want to buy them for GSM use. It has screen scratches and mint condition ones are going for $200 on my local Craigslist and $250-$350 on Swappa. I'd be lucky to get $175 for it locally. I'll gladly smash this thing if I get picked.

This is consumerism at its worst. For the love of God pelase donate your super old phones to an organization that uses them. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence uses them to give out to women that are victims of domestic violence so they can call 911 if anything happens.

People can do what they want with their property, even if it's a stupid thing. The double standard of people is the real annoying thing. Everyone who went ahead and smashed their phone already is too innocent or dumb. Anyone who will be smashing a iPhone 5+, S4+, One M7+ or any other recent phone is dumb.

They're not forcing anyone to do anything. No one is obligated to allow every country to be eligible. Reading the fine print should be a no brainer, especially when you lose something of yours.

If I got chosen I would gladly smash my S3 (which is a listed device) for this One Plus One. One thing holding me back would be that I paid the full $500+ for the S3 through T-Mobile. A bit to a severe waste of money to smash a phone, but people have different priorities.

this company is becoming the most hated one... they have that aggressive attitude of a new player. Their phone seems too good to be true. What's the catch? maybe its reliability. it might break after 1 or 2 years lol. No review can justify its reliability. We'll see.

Also guys, those phones getting smashed may be blacklisted lol. So it's a wise idea to get it traded !

I have a great I idea to smash my moto x. But then I thought about it. I paid full retail (650$) for my unlocked Moto X. Why would I smash it if I can just by there phone for 299$. Now if it was a gold plated then hell yeah!

As much as i love Android and really root for all of the companies that make Android phones... The One Plus One's hype is just a little ridiculous. Tbh, my Nexus 5 still looks better. Plus I can just get Cyanogen Mod if I wanted to... But I won't. I still run stock Android on it.

Phil, this has got to be the DUMBEST article you've ever written! I feel ashamed that you felt the need to even waste time explaining this to the members here. If folks in these parts are so stupid that they would destroy their phones, without question, without confirmation or any sort of guarantee then they probably have no business using a "smart" phone anyway.

I think the whole worry about other peoples property is dumb. If some one wants to smash their phone, why do you care? Maybe you (nobody in general) spend to much money on coffee, cable, cars,or anything thing else you buy. If everybody was so worried about donating and helping out everybody else, We probably wouldn't have all these new expensive smart phones with data plans to smash anyways.... Don't be so concerned with what others do with their money...rant over

Well, of course people can do what they want with their devices. The question is: would anyone purposefully smash their perfectly functioning phone for a purpose other than a chance at winning a $1 lottery? The lottery, by the way, that's perpetuated and instigated by a company selling a highly hyped phone?

If your answer is even remotely a "I guess so" then this fully illustrates the idiocy if this idea by Oppo (yes, it's Oppo, not some internet hero startup).

This is a horrible idea. Again, sell your phone, have dinner with the post 1+1 profit or just donate it to an abused women's center. All will help human kind and you will have your silly telephone while your old non-smashed phone will he highly appreciated by someone who needs it.

The argument isn't about what people do with their stuff. It's about the perpetuation of the idea for what they do with their stuff. If you disagree, please smash your phone right now and toss it in the garbage. Brilliant idea that you or nobody would ever do unprovoked.

"The argument isn't about what people do with their stuff. It's about the perpetuation of the idea for what they do with their stuff."
I am perpetuating the idea that you shouldnt care about the perpetuation of the idea for what people do with their stuff.

I'm going to defend oneplus. They're only targeting one hundred phones. that's a one and two zeros, come on. There are plenty of people with bricked or barely functional high end phones that would be glad to jump at the opportunity. They didn't ask everyone to smash their phones. Some dumbasses have done that but that's not oneplus' fault. And what if someone wants to smash their new phone... I see nothing wrong with that. it's just a publicity stunt. If anything you naysayers are doing the best thing for 1+ and that's giving them free publicity. Bad publicity is still good publicity cuz it gets the brand out there. Just sayin.

1) We are a plucky startup driven by our ideals to turn the cell phone industry upside down (actually a subsidiary of Oppo pretending to be a plucky startup driven by ideals)
2) Our distribution system will be better than preorders! (actually viral marketing invitation system)
3) Better than everything industrial design! (actually rebranded Oppo design)
4) Our phone will be the size of an Xperia Z1 (actually taller than a Note 3)

Great ideas I wouldn't have known. I was never going to smash my phone. It was good then. It still is now. It ages yes, but it's not a cow. Some rational in an insane world. You could as well melt the bits of gold. Nice suggestions I must say. Care to share a new unique way.

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